How do you obtain CAADAC certification?

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As of 2015, CAADAC certification is no longer available, according to the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals. In 2013, the California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors and the California Association of Addiction Recovery Resources voted to merge the organizations and form CCAPP, an organization that certifies substance use disorder counselors. Applicants for one of the seven levels of certification must complete required application and registration forms, fulfill specific education and experience requirements, and pass an examination.

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CCAPP offers four levels of certification for Certified Alcohol Drug Counselors, notes CCAPP. Each level has progressively greater education and practical experience requirements. The highest certification provided through CCAPP is the Licensed Advanced Alcohol Drug Counselor, which requires a master’s degree, 2,700 hours work experience in substance use disorder counseling, 10 hours of private practice, 20 hours of clinical supervision and 20 hours of co-occurring disorder education. Applicants also must pass a written examination.

All alcohol and other drug programs certified by the California Department of Health Care Services require counselors to have valid credentials from a certifying organization recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, according to the California Association of DUI Treatment Programs. CCAPP is one of three such organizations recognized by the Department of Health Care Services.